The Fairline Squadron 65 has the muscle of its Italian distant cousins, but a more subdued profile. The builder says she’ll go 35 knots WOT with twin 1,100-hp engines. Note the stained green glass down the middle of the foredeck which keeps the VIP cabin bright. (No peeping, please!)

It’s always seemed odd that one of Britain’s premier semi-custom yacht builders did much of its handiwork in jumbled series of factories around a landlocked town called Oundle. Driving to the place required winding along many miles of narrow roads through Tudor-era towns with thatch roofs. To come upon a boatbuilding facility—and one that’s been responsible for more than 10,000 launches in its 42-year history—is a surprise. But Fairline Boats continues to thrive and make ever-larger models, although now the company has a product development facility on saltwater where it commissions its big boats.

Introduced last fall, the Fairline Squadron 65, while not the largest, is the latest addition to the company’s flagship line. She is a stylish, although not extreme, well-crafted motor yacht with the legs of a thoroughbred.



With a 17’2” beam (5.24 m) Fairline has managed to get the requisite three staterooms and three en suite heads in its accommodation space. Note that it has also gotten in a day head. Captain’s cabin is aft and snug, European-style. Note there are steps up to the forward stateroom and steps in the hallway to the master.



In keeping with the interior design trend emanating from south of the Alps, you can see in this drawing the Bauhaus Modern look of the design. We like the skipper and companion seat at the helm, as often only one seat is placed on 65-footers. The galley is open, American style.

Anyone who’s been to England knows the indigenous craft tend to be, well, braced for the elements. They can be boxy, not particularly pretty and made to overcome the notoriously snotty weather those folks are forced to do their boating in. With 95 percent of its production going overseas, Fairline is not tethered to such conventions. Hence, the Squadron 65 more resembles a Mediterranean sun-worshipping machine than a dowdy, weather-resistant product of the old sod.

Flying Bridge...

The flybridge deck is completely al fresco. Were you in an environment where the weather cooperates, it would be hard to imagine spending daylight hours anywhere else. Settees and sun pads are in abundance and beg to be used. The deck has plenty of room for entertaining. And let’s not forget the upper helm. It could be assumed that would be the best seat in the house on a nice day barreling along at 35 knots.



The saloon is as modern as the latest issue of Vogue. Note the square corners, solid tones, wood treatments. The lighting under the furniture makes it appear to be floating.

The Squadron 65 has a relatively sedate interior—clean and contemporary. Its design and décor flourishes are quite subtitle and yachtsmen must pay close attention to detail. As always with Fairline, the joinery is finished to a high spec.

The Squadron 65 has accommodations for six, plus two crew in an optional cabin aft. All cabins have en suite facilities. The master amidships and the VIP forward have beds of equal scale. The master bath is a bit more elaborate.



Clutter? We don’t think so. Bright and modern rule the day in the master. Just don’t let the dog in after he’s been swimming.



The VIP is forward and has excellent ventilation and light thanks to the skylight right down the centerline of the foredeck.



The twin cabin is sedate and nicely appointed with under bunk lighting and mirrors. However, with a 17’2” beam the bunks must be narrow which are ideal for kids.

Power...

The power options available, from MAN and Caterpillar, vary slightly in horsepower from just over 1,000, but according to company information, will push the boat to top speeds in the mid-30 knot range. Driving a 65-foot, 30-ton boat traveling 35 knots is an exhilarating experience, especially if you’re on the flybridge. Fuel burn? Forget about it. Just keep an eye on the needle and go.